My Recognition

I do not look for, or expect, recognition for my work to help the disadvantaged; however, I have received many unsolicited awards. I give my humble thanks to those who have noticed my work and given me these awards.

In 2010 the Sultan of Sulu and Sabah bestowed the rank, title and award of Datuk and Lady Datin, Knight, and Baronet on my husband and me for services to the community - for helping the Tausug people in Manila. As a Catholic, I am keen to provide humanitarian assistance and education to this group of displaced Muslims, and I hope to raise funds to do more for them. The gracious bestowal of this award by HM Sultan Fuad I underlines the progressive movement to enhance interfaith understanding and religious tolerance.

I also have many Certificates of Appreciation and Plaques of Recognition for providing livelihood programs, medical missions, humanitarian services, disaster relief, and other assistance to disadvantaged and indigenous people in the Philippines.

One of these awards is for chasing and catching a hit-and-run driver late at night in 2012, and for intermediating between the driver and the victim so that the victim’s medical costs were covered by the driver. Another such award is for helping save the life of a boy with leukemia in 2007 by arranging a stream of volunteers to donate blood (mostly Freemasons and members of the armed forces); the boy made a full recovery and graduated from high school in 2014. For more details, see My Charity.

In December 2013, I was recognized with an Empowered Woman of Achievement Award for my modest rag-to-riches life story and for the charity work that I do. I really think that this award can be seen as an inspiration for other women. If I can do it, they can do it.

A little light relief came recently when I was awarded the title Miss Body Beautiful 2014. I stay in shape not exactly by working out, but more by being very active (and pro-active) in solving problems, and by eating healthy foods

In fact, the noted DJ and Entertainment Correspondent Joey Sarmiento nicknamed me The Real Action ’Lady” and the unstoppable action lady because I make things happen (see Remate).

For the work with I do with Freemasons, the world’s largest private charitable organization some members call me the Mother Theresa of Masonic District NCR-G (the southern part of Metro Manila, from Makati to Muntinlupa inclusive).

Also reflecting my work, I was chosen to represent Reyna Caridad Queen of Charity at the Zonta International 16th District 17 Conference at the Manila Sofitel Hotel in 2011, and Queen Isabella Catholica (who made a signifiant contribution to the advancement of Human Rights), in the Zonta District 17 UN Committee International Human Rights Day "Echoes" Tableau at Manila Hotel, Manila, Philippines in December 2012.

Most recently, I have been chosen to represent the Philippines in Mrs Asia International Classic Pageant to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in July 2014 (see Asia International Pageant).